Test Drive: 2009 Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo

2009 Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo. Click image to enlarge

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Review and photos by Gerry Frechette

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2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Vancouver, British Columbia – The Mercedes-Benz B-Class was introduced in Canada in the summer of 2005 as a 2006 model, and it received its mid-cycle “freshening” for the 2009 model year. When it was first introduced, there were those who questioned the need for a $30,000 Mercedes-Benz compact hatchback, but the B200 and B200 Turbo have proven the naysayers wrong, with Mercedes selling some 8,400 units in the first three years.

Despite the makeover, pricing for 2009 remains virtually the same as before, starting at $29,900 for B200, and $34,400 for B200 Turbo.

From the outside, the B-Class is little changed, with the new front-end treatment being perhaps the most obvious revision. An updated radiator grille painted in metallic grey with three chromed cross-fins and a Mercedes-Benz star integrated into its centre leads the way. The bumper and hood are both new and sleeker than before. Out back, the newly-proportioned rear bumper has a load sill guard to protect from scratches, and there are new two-piece tail light assemblies, whose upper edges merge with the character line along the vehicle’s sides. Both models now also offer a more-sporty new wheel design, a more car wash-friendly shorter exterior antenna and a broader rear windshield that is curved at the sides.

The Mercedes-Benz design team has further upgraded the interior of the B-Class with a new upholstery fabric and seat cushion design. The centre console, tunnel and door panels continue to be bordered by trim strips on both sides and now feature a new, diagonally-brushed aluminum in a smoke grey finish to give the interior an added sense of refinement. The interior door linings also feature a new fabric trim and when ordered with the sports package the side seat bolsters are trimmed in artificial leather.